Downing Street celebrates Notting Hill Carnival

CHILDREN REPRESENTING the arts of Notting Hill Carnival were invited to perform and enjoy a party at Downing Street in a celebration of Europes biggest street event that takes place this bank holiday weekend (26 and 27 August).

Lord Bourne the Minister for Faith, hosted over 150 people, including almost 100 children, all of which will be performing at this weekends Notting Hill Carnival. The mini carnival dubbed the ‘Downing Street Carnival’ was put together by Downing Street officials to celebrate the incredible and hugely important cultural impact Notting Hill Carnival has had on the UK.

The Sunday of carnival has always been children’s day and the new organisers (Notting Hill Carnival Ltd) have been supporting and encouraging more children to get involved… as Matthew Phillip, Executive Director of Notting Hill Carnival explains:

“Notting Hill Carnival began as a Children's Fayre' in 1966 and traditionally the Sunday of Carnival has been billed as ‘Children's Day'. In recent years that element has been somewhat lost so we really wanted to make sure this year, and in the years to come, the children truly get it back.

"We are proud to be supporting more children's bands as well as helping areas of carnival, like the Meanwhile Gardens, put on more children's activities.

“We would like to thank Downing Street for inviting us to be part of the first Downing Street Carnival. Great food, great music, dancing and plenty of fun had by all - exactly what Carnival is all about.”

Lord Bourne said; “As Europe’s largest street festival, Notting Hill Carnival brings together people of all backgrounds to celebrate Caribbean culture and traditions. 'Children’s Day' is a great way of ensuring young people can take part too, and learn more about their communities.

“I was delighted to host today’s mini carnival on Downing Street ahead of what I’m sure will be another successful Carnival.”

The afternoon's event consisted of a live performance from the Ebony Cubs - a local junior steel pan band based in the Notting Hill area. They are part of the Ebony Steel Band who will be performing on Saturday evening’s Panorama competition in Emslie Horniman Pleasance Park.

Carnival pioneer, Tobago Crusoe, performed a collection of acoustic songs including “London Is The Place For Me” and Love TKO, who have had a sound system at the carnival for 28 years (on the corner of Hazlewood Crescent) provided the party music.

Children from an array of mass bands that included Mahogany, Invaders, Lagniappe, Soca Massive, Tropical Isles, Tropical Mass and DD Projects packed out Downing Street with an array of incredible costumes and Heart and Soul Catering, one of the most renowned and legendary food stalls of the Notting Hill Carnival provided the BBQ.

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Posted on: 23/08/2018 08:42 AM

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